HC Deb 10 March 1932 vol 262 cc1949-50
18. Mr. LUNN

asked the Minister of Labour how many miners were unemployed in Great Britain on 1st March in the years 1930, 1931, and 1932?

Sir H. BETTERTON

The number of insured persons in the coal mining classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain was 142,276 at 24th February, 1930; 240,300 at 23rd February, 1931; and 294,690 at 22nd February, 1932.

Mr. LUNN

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what the Government are doing to stop this increase of unemployment in the coal industry?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I have nothing, on that point, to add to what I said in my speech. How far it is due to the Act passed by the Government of which the hon. Gentleman was a member, I do not know.

Lieut.-Commander AGNEW

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these figures include those unemployed in connection with the tin mines?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I do not think so. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman puts down a question, I will answer definitely, but I think that tin mines are in a separate classification.

Mr. BATEY

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Act which the present Government passed has had far more to do with the increase in unemployment among miners than the Act of the previous Government?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, Sir. On the contrary, that Act gives us powers with regard to export trade which enables us to take adequate action.

Mr. LAWSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the speech made by Mr. Lee, the Secretary of the Mining Association, yesterday, in which he definitely stated that the last Act is responsible?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, Sir. I have not read that speech, but I shall certainly do so.

16. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour how many mineworkers were wholly unemployed and temporarily stopped on the last date for which figures were available?

Mr. HUDSON

The numbers of insured persons in the coal mining classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain at 22nd February, 1932, were: 201,842 wholly unemployed and 92,848 temporarily stopped.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to whether that is an increase or a decrease as compared with the last two months of last year?

Mr. HUDSON

I rather think it is an increase.

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